From 1 May 2023, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) item codes for donepezil, galantamine, memantine and rivastigmine, for the treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease, will be updated to combine the ‘Initial 1’ and ‘Initial 2’ treatment phases.

The changes will be made based on the Post Market Review of PBS Authority Required (Written) listings. In this review, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended to change the Authority level of medicines for Alzheimer’s disease from Written to Telephone/Online for Initial treatment. As a result of these changes, the ‘Initial 2’ treatment phase will be placed in a ‘Supply Only’ state. This means that these items can no longer be prescribed. The existing ‘Initial 1’ item codes, with the updated access criteria, will remain on the PBS. 

The Supply Only state allows patients to continue to access outstanding repeats on prescriptions that were issued under the Initial 2 item codes. These items will remain in a Supply Only state from 1 May 2023 for 6 months, before being completely removed. 

A list of PBS item codes affected by these changes is available on the PBS website. 

Information for Prescribers 

Patients currently receiving treatment with the former ‘Initial 1’ or ‘Initial 2’ treatment phases will need to receive 6 months of treatment before qualifying for continuing treatment. Patients who have received less than 6 months of initial treatment under the former ‘Initial 1’ can requalify under the new ‘Initial’ treatment phase to ensure 6 months of treatment. Prescribers should request the appropriate number of repeats as to allow only 6 months of treatment before prescribing under the continuing treatment item codes.